Upon seeing her, Jiang Hao's once calm heart rippled with sudden waves. It was as if the mere sight of this woman caused his mind to return to a normal state.
It became clear that the other half of the poison rested within this person.
She was the woman he had encountered one night long ago.
Her beauty surpassed anyone he had ever seen.
“Of her stature, an added inch would be too tall, and a lesser inch too short; apply powder, and she’d be too pale; use rouge, and she’d be too red; her brows are like green feathers, her skin like snow; her waist as slender as a willow, her teeth like a pearl hidden within.”
These were the only words that came to Jiang Hao when seeing her again and observing her closely.
"It seems you don't quite recall me," Hong Yuye suddenly looked toward the man standing in front of the house.
Her eyes were cold, and her expression was icy.
"I wouldn't dare," Jiang Hao bowed, respectfully saying, "With a senior's visit, this junior is apprehensive."
"Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, it appears your advancement was quite smooth." Hong Yuye casually revealed Jiang Hao's secret as she stood under the light.
This startled Jiang Hao.
When they first met, he was at the ninth level of Qi Refining.
Now, in about three months, he not only reached Foundation Establishment but also advanced to the mid-stage.
If she started asking questions, it would be over for him.
Moreover, with the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi acting as a disguise, how did she notice?
"You're confused?" Hong Yuye stared at the man before her, disdainful as she said:
"Though cultivation can be hidden, the body is quite honest—your flow of strength, the intensity of your breathing, and the reach of your spirit.
Saying you've been at the mid-stage for a while wouldn't be much of an exaggeration.
Your body and spirit are inherently stronger than most, but strong doesn’t mean limitless. Considering everything else, I can deduce your cultivation level.
More importantly, you've advanced right under my nose, do I look like I'm blind?"
Jiang Hao had nothing to say.
He realized that hiding cultivation was truly a complicated task.
He needed to study this further during his spare time.
However, he was concerned about this woman's intentions, especially since she lingered near the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower.
That worried him more.
Luckily, it seemed she didn't intend to probe too deeply.
Unfortunately, she might genuinely be interested in the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower.
"Senior, may I ask your purpose for visiting?" Jiang Hao cautiously asked.
Upon hearing this, Hong Yuye glanced down at the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, "Did you plant this?"
"Yes," Jiang Hao nodded, speaking calmly, "It’s just a little thing."
"How did you do it?" Hong Yuye asked again.
"I water it with a bowl each day," Jiang Hao replied honestly.
Hong Yuye found it hard to believe, "Just like that?"
"Just like that," Jiang Hao nodded.
Though simple and somewhat unbelievable, he was telling the truth.
After a long silence, Hong Yuye crouched and gently touched the young sprout, expressionless, "This plant smells nice. Once it grows, I'll take it. Do you have any objections?"
The hint of refusal lingered in Jiang Hao's words, but before he could speak further, Hong Yuye raised her head and coldly snorted, "Hmm?"
"None... for now," Jiang Hao replied.
Then, with a mighty force sweeping past him, overwhelming and vast as if it could wipe out everything, Jiang Hao was knocked back, barely managing to stay on his feet.
He spoke again, saying, "No objections."
Such grand momentum, yet with minimal harm, indicated she didn’t wish to kill, but defying her was not permissible.
Just how powerful was she? Jiang Hao couldn’t help but feel alarmed.
Seeing Jiang Hao still sensible, Hong Yuye refrained from acting further.
Instead, she withdrew her gaze to the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower, "This flower is mine now. Take care of it properly."
"When does the senior intend to take the flower?" Jiang Hao asked.
"When it blooms and bears fruit," Hong Yuye's voice was calm yet incredibly pleasant, as if echoing spring breezes against Jiang Hao’s ears, though she was, undeniably, a bandit in his eyes.
Hong Yuye's reply eased him somewhat.
After all, the flower’s maturity was an unknown duration away, granting him ample time.
He didn’t need to worry about losing the flower and getting punished; Elder Bai Zhi intended for him to use it as bait.
Bait? Jiang Hao suddenly realized such a precious item couldn’t simply be used as bait, unless it was to lure out someone extraordinary.
Isn't it this woman before him?
Her beauty and power were unmatched.
Perhaps the Heavenly Sound Sect's real aim was to draw her out.
Jiang Hao dared not speak further, pretending to remain oblivious.
Hong Yuye entered the house, and Jiang Hao stood aside awaiting any instructions.
"I won’t make you help for nothing." As she spoke, a piece of paper appeared on the table, and Hong Yuye calmly said, "This is a formation diagram. You don't need any particular talent, just follow the instructions. It’ll help you contain the spirit energy, and with that flower here, it’ll boost your spirit energy immensely, benefiting your cultivation."
Jiang Hao seemed tempted; he had recently considered doing just this, lest he attract trouble.
As for those betrayers, they wouldn’t act imminently, though their reasons remained unknown.
Jiang Hao suddenly recalled his divine ability—perhaps he could appraise the person before him and gain precise insight?
Yet, she was too strong, and he feared being discovered.
Hesitating briefly, Jiang Hao decided to proceed with the appraisal.
Quickly, the divine ability activated, and feedback arrived, leaving him dumbfounded.
[???]
Jiang Hao: "???"
"Is there something you wish to ask?" Hong Yuye’s voice turned cold.
"No, nothing. Thank you, senior," Jiang Hao hurriedly replied, masking his shock.